Beauty care utensil and beauty care method thereof

ABSTRACT

A beauty care tool, beauty care utensil and a beauty care method is provided for enabling the easy performance of cooling massages of the skin and the widespread popularizing of cooling beauty care methods.  
     A liquid absorption member  5  having liquid absorbed therein, a holding part, and a retaining part  4  provided at one end portion of said holding part for retaining said liquid absorption part are provided, wherein this retaining part  4  retains this liquid absorption member  5  due to the integration and solidifying of the liquid entering into a space  7  formed by a through-hole with the liquid absorbed into the liquid absorption member  5.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 based upon JapanesePatent Application Serial No. 2004-201908, filed on Jul. 8, 2004. Theentire disclosure of the aforesaid application is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beauty care tools, beauty careutensils, and beauty care methods for use in beautifying throughcontacting the skin with a member having liquid absorbed therein.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, beauty care methods for tightening the skin, increasingthe skin's blood circulation, and soothing of inflammation and the like,have been known among individuals such as women having a high aestheticsense, persons such as actresses and models who are engaged inoccupations where one's appearance has importance, and dermatosispatients. Such known beauty care methods involve the placement directlyon the skin, of ice or a cold preserving material, or washing the facewith cold water or ice water (including massages, beauty therapy,medical practices, and methods similar to those described below).

Because this type of beauty care method involves cold water, ice or coldwater retaining material directly touching the hand, during the winterseason, it is difficult to repeat many times or to continue it for along time.

Additionally, when massaging while holding ice in one's hand, the bodytemperature from the hand quickly melts the ice. Such melted moisturecauses discomfort because it flows down the arm and hand or drips onclothes. Also, the problem of the ice easily slipping down exists.

Regarding such points, the following patent literature 6 (JP UtilityModel No. 3004286 Publication) proposes a beauty care utensil, where atip of a handle is dipped into an ice making box filled with water andfrozen, so that the handle and ice become integrated.

This beauty care utensil does not require the direct manual holding ofthe ice. However, it still involves a direct placement of the ice on theskin, and the ice can easily melt. The melted moisture causes discomfortby flowing down the face and also, it cannot be associated with usageover a long time period.

Additionally, because the cold preserving material does not slide wellon the skin, it is difficult to perform cooling beauty care whilesliding it on the skin. In particular, if the cold preserving materialis covered with a cloth or such to alleviate the coldness, the coolingeffect is lessened, and sliding over the skin becomes further worsened.

Furthermore, this cooling beauty care method is effective for massagingthe nose and its environs, which have pores that open easily. But, whenusing the above-mentioned cold preserving material, because theclosed-up container is typically formed of a bar or sphere having athickness, it is difficult to make the cold preserving material fitdetailed portions such as the surrounding areas of the nose.

Also, there exists a method where skin lotion is cooled with coldstorage or the like, and then a patting motion is performed. Despite amomentary feeling of pleasant coolness, the skin lotion is quicklywarmed up by the body temperature or air temperature, and the resultingtightening effect is weak. Still further, due to its motion by thefingers, the cotton puff or the like having the skin lotion easilydistorts or forms fuzzy surfaces and also, rapid evaporation occurs.Thus, a sufficient wetness retaining effect cannot be attained.

Beauty care utensils that cover the face with refrigerated/cooled, coldpreserving materials or the like, as in patent literatures 1 (JP TokkaiPublication No. 2003-299688), 3 (JP Tokkai Publication No. H04-032714)and 7 (JP Jikkai H04-032714), cannot perform localized massages ofdetailed portions such as the surroundings of the nose. Also, an upwardfacing pose or the like must be maintained in order to hold the beautycare utensil, resulting in a problem regarding simplicity.

A facial beauty device that places against the face a cooling part thathas been cooled with a pelche element or the like, such as in patentliteratures 4 (JP Tokkai H05-237147) and 5 (JP Tokkai H04-092663), hasalso been proposed. However, this kind of facial beauty device is heavyand large compared to the above-mentioned ice or cold preservingmaterials, and it is not easy to use for a long period of time whileholding it in one hand.

Also, because this kind of facial beauty device cannot hold moisture,the sliding over the skin is poor, and if persons having weak skin useit for a long time, a reverse fear of damaging the skin exists.Furthermore, in cases where the cooling plate is made of metal in orderto improve the cooling effect, there is also a fear of causing metalallergies and the like.

Due to the above-mentioned problems, although the above-mentioned beautycare method is known to be preferable for the skin, it has currently notpopularized as a beauty care method performed by the general public ondaily basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a beauty care utensil,a beauty care tool and beauty care method, which solves theabove-mentioned problems and easily performs a cooling beauty care ofthe skin, while widely popularizing the above-mentioned beauty caremethod.

It is embodied in the present invention, a beauty care tool forcontacting a liquid absorption member, having absorbed therein a liquid,to a skin, having a holding part, and a retaining part provided at oneend portion of the holding part, for retaining the liquid absorptionmember, wherein the retaining part uses any of a through-hole, a concavepart, or a convex part for forming a space where a part of the liquidabsorbed in said liquid absorption member enters or remains. It is thusembodied in the present invention, a beauty care tool and a beauty careutensil respectively provided with the liquid absorption member, as wellas a beauty care method using the beauty care utensil.

According to the present invention, by using a through-hole, a concavepart or a convex portion of the retaining part arranged at an end of theholding part, one can hold a member that has absorbed liquids such aswater, skin lotion, and liquid cosmetics. Thus, one can apply theabove-mentioned cooling beauty care without the hand's directly touchingthe liquid. Consequently, the user does not have to put up with coldnessat the time of operation, and the liquid temperature is not raised bythe hand's body temperature.

In particular, in cases of use where the liquid is refrigerated orcooled and solidified, a part of the liquid soaked into the liquidabsorption member enters or remains in the space of the retaining part.In this state, because that liquid connects and solidifies with theliquid remaining in the liquid absorption member, the liquid absorptionmember can be firmly locked to the retaining part (the beauty caretool).

Additionally, compared to liquid at a normal temperature, this furtherimproves the tightening of the skin. Due to a difficulty in evaporation,one can conduct the application slowly, while cooling the skin over along period of time. Furthermore, this involves the refrigeration andsuch of the liquid absorption member as a whole, rather thanrefrigerating/cooling the liquid independently. Thus, a refreshingapplication feeling, such as the sliding on the cheek of piled up freshsnow, can be provided.

Still further, the liquid that slowly melts due to the skin's bodytemperature exhibits the function of a lubricant. Because this providesgood sliding between the skin and the liquid absorption member,irritation to the skin is controlled to a minimum, and degradation ofthe liquid absorption member and shape alterations of the contactingsurface are kept to a minimum.

A part of the melted liquid is absorbed again by the liquid absorptionmember. Accordingly, the liquid is familiarized with the skin a littleat a time, and the flowing down of the melted liquid is efficientlyprevented.

Consequently, it is possible to achieve skin cooling and preservewetting by using one liquid absorption member for a comparatively longperiod of time.

As thus described, in the case where the liquid is refrigerated, theliquid itself that is soaked into the liquid absorption member functionsas a locking member with the retaining part. Simultaneously, beauty careeffects and convenience of use are improved, making it highly optimal.

Also, because the beauty care tool and beauty care utensil of thepresent invention does not use electricity, etc., there are no harmfulinfluences from electromagnetic waves, etc. The part that directlytouches the skin uses the liquid absorption member, being a cotton puffand the like, for cosmetic purposes. Thus, one need not worry aboutmetal allergies, etc. and cooling beauty care can be accomplished safelyand easily.

Still further, unlike the sliding of ice alone, over-sliding can becontrolled through the proper frictional drag of the liquid absorptionmember. Thus, it is possible to draw up the skin of the cheeks, thecorners of the eyes and the like, and one can expect preventions orimprovements, etc. regarding skin slackening, as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment concerningthe beauty care utensil of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial, sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 4 is a partial, sectional view of a second embodiment concerningthe beauty care utensil of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view and a side sectional view of a third embodimentconcerning the beauty care utensil of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main part and a side sectional view of afourth embodiment concerning the beauty care utensil of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative example concerning the beautycare utensil of the present invention, and a perspective view of theliquid absorption member of the alternative example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained asfollows, in accordance with the practical examples shown in thedrawings.

EXAMPLE 1

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment regardingthe beauty care utensil of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectionalview of the same; and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a condition where oneside (the bottom side) of the retaining part has the liquid absorptionmember installed thereon.

This beauty care utensil 1 comprises a utensil body (beauty care tool) 2having a holding part 3 and a flat plate-shaped retaining part 4integrally arranged at one end of the holding part 3.Elliptically-shaped liquid absorption members 5 are removably affixedonto both faces of said retaining part 4.

In order to make it difficult for the body temperature of the user toconduct to the retaining part 4 or to the liquid absorption member 5,said holding part 3 is formed of material with a low coefficient ofthermal conductivity, such as wood, rubber, or synthetic resin and thelike. Material that can withstand heating and freezing is preferable.

The holding part 3 can be formed in a variety of shapes, such as aspherical-shape, cylindrical-shape, frame-shaped, or with surfaceshaving irregularities. Additionally, coatings of antibacterial agents,etc. can be applied, and aromatics and the like can be place in theinterior spaces.

Said retaining part 4 is formed of an elliptically-shaped material of ametal and the like having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, ora resin, etc. An insertion end part 4 a, shown by dashed lines in thedrawing, is inserted into the holding part 3 and is integrated with theholding part 3 by adhesion/threaded attachment and the like.

Regarding the retaining part 4, it can be plate-shaped,spherical-shaped, pole-shaped, a many-sided shape, or a rotatableroller-shape. It is possible to suitably employ something having anantibacterial effect, or something made of germanium, titanium, etc.that can be expected to have a positive effect on the human body.

The holding part 3 and the retaining part 4 are formed to be freelyreleasable. As will be stated later, one can make it so that at the timeof freezing the liquid, only the retaining part 4 and the liquidabsorption member 5 are cooled, and the beauty care utensil 1 isassembled together at the time of use. In this way, it is not necessaryto use a wide space for cooling, and if any component deteriorates,exchanging it becomes easy, as well.

Furthermore, making it freely releasable allows it to meet the demandfor exchangeability according to the type of liquid used by eachindividual. Also, it becomes possible to allocate the usage according toobjectives or parts, when employing a plurality of different shapes andsizes of retaining parts 4.

Said retaining part 4 has many through-holes 6 formed in it. If forexample the retaining part 4 has a longer axis of about 5 cm, thethrough-hole 6 can be formed as a circle having a diameter of around 1-6mm. The geometry, size, number and arrangement of the through-holes 6can be appropriately changed while including a drainage form. Forexample, it is possible for the interior to have an expanding diameteror to communicate with other through-holes.

Liquid absorption members 5 are stuck to both sides of the retainingpart 4, and the beauty care utensil 1 is cooled in a state where a partof the liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member 5 on the topsurface penetrates into the spaces 7 formed by the through-holes 6. Dueto this, the liquid filling up the inside of each space 7, the liquidremaining behind in the liquid absorption member 5 on the top part, andthe liquid absorbed in the liquid absorption member 5 on the bottom partare cooled/frozen/expanded, etc. and solidified in a unified manner(including an increase in viscosity or gelatinization). Thus, the liquidabsorption member 5 becomes firmly affixed to the retaining part 4.Additionally, the spaces may be formed by means of bottomed concaveparts.

For the liquid soaked into the liquid absorption member 5, water, skinlotion, liquid cosmetics, or foundation, and also, various liquids thatprovide a beauty effect, fair skin effect, cosmetics effect, etc. can beused singly or combined together. Additionally, it is possible to employa matter which, even if at room temperature is a solid or a fluid havinga high viscosity, it liquifies and lowers viscosity when heated toaround body temperature.

In that case, after heating and being absorbed by the liquid absorptionmember 5, it is returned to room temperature. Consequently, the liquidcools/solidifies and the liquid absorption member 5 becomes held to theretaining part 4. At the time of use, due to the liquid absorptionmember 5 touching the skin, the solidified matter slowly melt at bodytemperature and gets applied to the skin.

Said liquid absorption member 5 has a material/construction to enablethe appropriate retention of liquid. Since it directly contacts theskin, it should be selected to avoid causing allergies, to providelesser irritations to the skin, and to have material qualities that arehealthy.

For example, one can suitably adopt cottons or silks that areconventionally widely used in cosmetics, puffs from natural materialssuch as silk, etc., gauzes for medical treatment use, nonwoven fabrics,elastic materials such as sponges, etc., or cloths using microfibers(super extra-fine fibers) that can easily wipe off dirt on the skin fromits deeper parts. Also, materials that have beauty care/medicaltreatment effects when sliding over the skin may be suitably employed.

Additionally, these materials can be combined with animal or plantextract components of collagen, herbal essences, olive oil, etc.,fragrance components, acid or acidity components, nutritional componentsof coenzyme Q10 or vitamins, etc., placentas, skin beautifyingcomponents of hyaluronic acid, etc., minerals of tolmarin, germanium,etc., charcoal, things that cause anionizing, and the like can becombined to further raise the beauty care effects.

Also, in considering the lessening of irritations to the skin, adhesionto the retaining part 4, adhesion between the members 5 and the like,the geometry of the liquid absorption members 5 is formed to have anelliptical shape or circular shape that is a little larger than theretaining part 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the edge parts 5 a, 5 a of the liquid absorptionmembers 5 are adhered to each other. This allows the edge parts 5 a, 5a, in a respectively adhered state, to solidify and harden makingseparation from the retaining part 4 difficult.

As one example, if the retaining part 4 has an elliptical shape with alonger axis of 5 cm and a shorter axis of 3 cm, the liquid absorptionmember 5 can be formed to have a circular shape or an elliptical shapewith a diameter of 4-8 cm. Additionally, it is desirable for thethickness of the liquid absorption member 5 to be around 4-6 mm in acondition prior to absorbing the liquid.

The shape, size and thickness of the liquid absorption member 5 can besuitably changed depending on the type or quantity of the liquid to beabsorbed, the positioning in which it will be used, etc. Furthermore, itis possible to retain liquid absorption members 5 having differingshapes/materials on each respective side of the retaining part 4.

Then again, it is possible for a long sash-shaped liquid absorptionmember 5 to be retained on the retaining part 4 by winding it around inmany layers; or to fold into two a large-sized liquid absorption member5 and place the retaining part 4 in between; or to cover the retainingpart 4 with a bag-shaped liquid absorption member 5 having an opening atone end part. Furthermore, a plurality of identical or differentlyshaped liquid absorption members 5, either laminated or juxtaposed toeach other, can also be used.

In the present embodiment, a liquid absorption member 5 having absorbedtherein a differing liquid is retained at each respective side of theretaining part 4. For example, one side may have water and the manyother sides may have skin lotion or liquid cosmetics, etc. By changingthe sides of the retaining part 4, one can easily achieve differentbeauty care effects.

A method of use of a beauty care tool arranged in this manner will beexplained as follows.

Additionally, the following explains a case where the liquid absorbed inthe liquid absorption member 5 is frozen. However, the temperature forsuch cooling should be adjusted appropriately according to the nature ofthe liquid.

First, liquid absorption members 5 having a suitable size/thickness anda liquid are prepared. After causing the liquid to be absorbed into theliquid absorption members 5, the water surface tension is used to adherethem to both sides, respectively, of the retaining part 4 of the beautycare tool body 2. Additionally, the liquid can also be dripped on andabsorbed after positioning the liquid absorption member 5 at apredetermined position on the retaining part 4.

At this point, if the liquid amount is too great, when frozen, theliquid may concentrate at the bottom surface of the lower side of theliquid absorption member 5. This may result in a concern that thesmoothness of the liquid absorption member 5 may be decreased or thatthe liquid may leak out around the beauty care utensil 1. For thisreason, before freezing, it is desirable to make adjustments bysqueezing out a liquid amount to a point where it does not drip out fromthe liquid absorption member 5.

Also, in a case where the liquid absorption member 5 is larger than theretaining part 4, the edge parts 5 a, 5 a respectively should be stucktogether through pressing with a finger, etc., or an edge part 5 a canbe made to stick through folding it over to the opposite side surface ofthe retaining part 4.

Accordingly, the entire peripheral portion of the retaining part 4 iscovered by the liquid absorption member 5. Thus, the top-bottom largewide surfaces and the peripheral portion of the retaining part 4 can besuitably used according to objectives or positions. For example, inportions desired to be cooled in a localized manner or narrow partshaving unevenness such as the surroundings of the nose, it would besuitable to use the peripheral portion of the retaining part 4.

Subsequently, the liquid is frozen (solidified) through placing it for afixed time in a below freezing point atmosphere, such as placing it in afreezer or the freezer chamber of the refrigerator, or keeping it near acoolant such as dry ice.

At this point, it is desirable to store this beauty care utensil 1 in acase or box/bag that can be easily sealed, with the liquid absorptionmember 5 having a fixed direction/positioning to make it roughly level.This is to prevent deviations of the liquid, deformations of the liquidabsorption member 5, transfers of odors, etc. Additionally, because theretaining part 4 is arranged to be freely removable from the holdingpart 3 as described above, it is possible to miniaturize the case or boxused for freezing, or to freeze a plurality of retaining parts 4 atonce.

Up to the point of freezing, the liquid absorbed in the upper sideliquid absorption member 5 slowly penetrates into the spaces 7 formed bythe many through-holes 6 of the retaining part 4, and reaches the liquidabsorption member 5 on the lower side. The freezing progresses in thiscondition, and the liquid within the through-holes 6 and the liquidremaining at the respective top-bottom liquid absorption member 5 becomeintegrated, so that the liquid absorption members 5 become truly securedto the retaining part 4.

Around 1-3 hours should be sufficient freezing time. However, that canbe adjusted suitably according to external air temperatures, thetemperature of the freezer, amounts or types of liquids, userpreferences, etc.

The beauty care utensil 1 cooled in this manner is then removed from thefreezer. If the surfaces of the liquid absorption members 5 are grittyfrom frost or ice, they should be left at room temperature for fromdozens of seconds to several minutes.

After confirming that the surfaces of the liquid absorption members 5have become smooth, a liquid absorption member 5 is glided or pattedover clean skin while holding the holding part 3, after a face washing,and the cooling beauty care is provided. In particular, portions wherethe pore openings are of concern or areas where tightening is desiredshould be worked carefully.

In this manner, by refrigerating the liquid within the liquid absorptionmember 5, an excellent feeling and a refreshing application, like theshearing of the cheek with piled up fresh snow, can be provided.Additionally, because the liquid slowly melts out by the bodytemperature of the skin exhibits the function of a lubricant, thesliding between the liquid absorption member 5 and the skin is improved.Thus, irritations to the skin are kept to a minimum and also,deformations or the napping up of the liquid absorption member 5 is keptto a minimum.

Furthermore, because a part of the melted liquid is re-absorbed by theliquid absorption member 5, the liquid is consequently familiarized withthe skin in small quantities at a time, and the flowing down of meltedliquid is efficiently prevented.

Because of this, it is possible to provide the cooling beauty care for acomparatively long time while using one liquid absorption member.

Furthermore, through the refrigeration of the liquid, the liquid itselfwithin the liquid absorption member 5 functions as a locking member withthe retaining part 4, and the effectiveness of the beauty care andconvenience of use are also improved. Still further, through the icewithin the many spaces 7, the effective maintenance of cooling of theretaining part 4 and the liquid absorption member 5 can be continued fora long period of time.

According to the measurements of the present inventor, with the beautycare utensil 1 of this practical example, a cooling beauty care oflonger than 7 minutes at a lower than normal temperature is possible.

Before employing this beauty care utensil 1, it is effective to warm theskin, open the pores and remove dirt through face-washing with a bath orhot water, steaming the skin with warm towels, etc. By employing thebeauty care utensil 1 to such cleaned skin, the entire face includingdetails such as the nose and its environs, etc. can be effectivelycooled and moistened.

Additionally, such mild cooling stimulation promotes blood circulationand activates the metabolism. As a result, it becomes possible toeffectively achieve aging prevention, improvement, and tightening of thepores and skin, related to stains, wrinkles, dullness, slackening, etc.Also, the beauty care utensil 1 of the present embodiment can be formedto be small-sized/lightweight, so that it can be conveniently stored orcarried.

EXAMPLE 2

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a second practical example of the presentinvention will be explained.

Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as that described abovewill use the same numbering and will be omitted.

The beauty care utensil 10 of this practical example has, as acharacteristic point, a retaining member 14 for retaining the liquidabsorption member 5 with a structure of layered top-bottom retainingmembers 14 a, 14 b. A plurality of small-diameter through-holes 16 a, 16a are formed in the upper layer retaining member 14 a, and a pluralityof bottomed openings 16 b, having larger diameters than thethrough-holes 16 a, are formed in the lower retaining member 14 b. Acharacteristic point is that at least one part of a space 17 a formed bythe through-hole 16 a communicates with a space 16 b formed by theopening 16 b.

With this type of structure, the liquid absorption member 5, which hasthe liquid absorbed within and is shown in alternating long and shortdashed lines in the figure, is cooled on the retaining part 14 (theupper layer's retaining member 14 a). Thus, the liquid slowly penetratesinto the spaces 17 a, 17 b and solidifies.

As a result, the liquid which has entered into these spaces 17 a, 17 bintegrates with the liquid remaining in the upper part's liquidabsorption member 5 and solidifies in this condition. Because of this,the liquid absorption member 5 becomes firmly locked onto the retainingpart 14.

Additionally, it may be desirable to form the through-holes 16 a of theupper layer retaining member 14 a and the holes 16 b of the lower layerretaining member 14 b to have roughly the same diameters, or to form thethrough-holes 16 a and/or the holes 16 b to be longer-length furrows, orstill further, to make the shapes of the through-holes 16 a and theholes 16 b to be different.

EXAMPLE 3

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a third practical example of the presentinvention will be explained.

Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as the above-describedpractical examples 1, 2 will use the same numbering and will be omitted.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of the beauty care utensil 20 of the presentembodiment, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of FIG. 5A along line X-X.

The beauty care utensil 20 of this practical example has as acharacteristic point the formation, on roughly the entire surface of theretaining part 24, of a plurality of furrows 26 a, 26 b extendingup-down. As shown in FIG. 5B, a characteristic point is that thesefurrows 26 a, 26 b are drilled to incline in different directions. Inthe example shown in the drawing, one part of the furrows 26 a, 26 b arebottomed, and the others are formed to penetrate to the reverse side.

Also, although the 4 furrows 26 a towards the right side of the drawingand the 4 furrows 26 b towards the left side are drilled in differentdirections, the drilling directions may be modified randomly, as well.Still further, the furrows 26 may be made to extend laterally (theleft-right directions in the drawing), or vertical-horizontal furrowsmay be mixed together.

Again with this type of structure, as in the above-described practicalexamples 1, 2, liquid enters into the spaces 27 a, 27 b formed by eachfurrow 26 a, 26 b and freezes. Thus, the liquid absorption member 5 canbe firmly locked onto the retaining part 24.

EXAMPLE 4

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a fourth practical example of the presentinvention will be explained.

Additionally, the arrangements that are the same as the above-describedpractical examples 1-3 will use the same numbering and will be omitted.

FIG. 6A is a plan view of the beauty care tool 30 of the presentembodiment, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view of FIG. 6A along line Y-Y.

The beauty care utensil 30 of this practical example has as acharacteristic point a retaining part 34, having protrusions 36, 36extending in the up-down directions of the drawing and formedrespectively at the left-right edge portions of the retaining part 34.Another characteristic point is that a large-size liquid absorptionmember 35 is folded together left-right to cover the entire retainingpart 34.

As shown in FIG. 6B, said protrusions 36 have end tips that bend towardsthe interior. Thus, between them and the flat surfaces of the retainingpart 34, spaces 37 are formed where the liquid absorbed in the liquidabsorption member 35 can remain.

This protrusion 36 can be integrally formed through injection molding,etc. at the time of formation of the retaining part 35. It can also bemade integral with the retaining part 34 through the depositing, etc. ofa separate protrusion member.

When said liquid absorption member 35 absorbs liquid and then isattached to the retaining part 34 by covering it, a part of the liquidcollects in said remaining space 37. When this liquid and the liquidremaining in the liquid absorption member 35 freeze and integrate, thefrozen liquid is locked onto the end tips of said protrusions 36, sothat the liquid absorption member 35 becomes securely held onto theretaining part 34.

Additionally, the edge portions 35 a, 35 a of the folded over liquidabsorption member 35 also freeze together and integrate, so that an evenfirmer locking occurs.

Alternative Example

The present invention is not limited to each of the practical examples,and within the range wherein the main points of the invention are notaltered, a variety of changes are possible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the retaining part 54 may have twoconnected circles which have a large-diameter through-hole 56 formed ateach of the respective circles' centers, thereby forming a figure-8shape. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, it is desirable to also formthe liquid absorption member 55 as two connected circles, in agourd-shape.

The large-diameter through-hole may be bottomed and be a concave part.Accordingly, one can employ the beauty care utensil while keepingdiffering liquids in the resulting respective spaces 56, 56 and theliquid absorption member 55.

Additionally, it is possible to suitably combine the above-describedplurality of practical examples or alternative example.

Furthermore, it may also be good to have one part of the liquidabsorption member adhere to or pinch, etc. the retaining part, so thatit becomes fixed in advance of the solidifying the liquid.

In such a case, it would be desirable to form the liquid absorptionmember of a material that can withstand repeated usage.

Still further, the above description explains a beauty care utensil(beauty care tool) and beauty care method. However, the fields ofapplication of the present invention should not be limited by the words“beauty care”.

As examples, it is possible to take advantage of the present inventionin the medical treatment and related fields, such as in the treatmentand prevention of dermatosis and postoperative skin revival or cosmeticsurgery. One can also take advantage of the present invention as amedical device or as a make-up tool, etc.

1. A beauty care tool for contacting a liquid absorption member, havingabsorbed therein a liquid, to a skin, comprising: a holding part; and aretaining part provided at one end portion of the holding part, forretaining said liquid absorption member, wherein the retaining part usesany of a through-hole, a concave part, or a convex part for forming aspace where a part of the liquid absorbed in said liquid absorptionmember enters or remains.
 2. The beauty care tool of claim 1, whereinsaid retaining part has a flat shape.
 3. The beauty care tool of claim1, wherein when the liquid that enters or remains in said space and theliquid absorbed in said liquid absorption member is frozen andsolidified, said retaining part integrates with and locks together withsaid liquid absorption member.
 4. The beauty care tool of claim 1,wherein the liquid absorption member is retained on the beauty care toolby the retaining part, and where the retention of the liquid absorptionmember is caused by the integration and solidifying of the liquidentering or remaining in said space with a remainder of the liquidabsorbed in the liquid absorption member.
 5. The beauty care tool ofclaim 4, wherein roughly the entire retaining part is covered by aplurality of liquid absorption members, a bag-shaped liquid absorptionmember or a folded liquid absorption member.
 6. The beauty care tool ofclaim 4, wherein said retaining part has more than two faces, and whereeach face has retained to it, respectively, a liquid absorption memberhaving a different liquid absorbed within, or a liquid absorption memberof a different shape/material/size.
 7. A beauty care method where amember that has absorbed a liquid is contacted to a skin, comprising:forming a beauty care tool having a holding part, and a retaining partprovided at one end portion of the holding part, for retaining saidliquid absorption member, wherein the retaining part uses any of athrough-hole, a concave part, or a convex part for forming a space wherea part of the liquid absorbed in said liquid absorption member can enteror remain, and wherein the liquid absorption member is retained on thebeauty care tool by the retaining part; causing a part of a desiredliquid, which has been absorbed into the liquid absorption member, toenter or remain in the space formed by said through-hole, concave partor convex part, causing the coupling of the liquid absorption member tothe retaining part of said beauty care tool; firmly retaining the liquidabsorption member to the retaining part by connecting and solidifyingsaid part of the liquid and a liquid remaining behind in the liquidabsorption member through cooling said liquid absorption member and theretaining part; and performing the method by contacting the liquidabsorption member to the skin.